TX Citizen 2.14.13

Tim Zipp's Money-Go-Round | North Coast Brewing's Old Rasputin | Reef Madness

VOLUME TWOISSUE SEVEN02 .14 .13

"It'

s in

tere

stin

g th

at t

hese

the

mes

of

crim

e an

d po

liti

cal

corr

upti

on a

re a

lway

s re

leva

nt."

—

M

arti

n Sc

orse

se

Brings the Funny to TLU Calendar, Page 5

P LUS : 7 DAY NEW BRAUNFELS/SAN MARCOS L IVE MUS IC GU IDE

TX C

ITIZ

EN11

11 N

. Wal

nut A

venu

e N

ew B

raun

fels,

TX

7813

083

0.48

3.95

63

All

orig

inal

con

tent

is c

opyr

ight

TX

Citi

zen.

TX

Citi

zen

is pu

blish

ed

ever

y Th

ursd

ay.

One

cop

y (p

er p

erso

n) o

f TX

Citi

zen

is av

aila

ble

free

of c

harg

e, w

ith th

e pr

ior w

ritte

n co

nsen

t of T

X C

itize

n re

quire

d to

rem

ove

mul

tiple

cop

ies

from

dist

ribut

ion

poin

ts.

Mul

tiple

cop

ies

and

back

issu

es a

re a

vaila

ble

at T

X C

itize

n of

fices

for $

2.50

eac

h.

STA

FF /

CO

NTA

CT

Publ

isher

/Ed

itor-i

n-C

hief

Mik

e Re

ynol

ds

Dire

ctor

of D

istrib

utio

n C

hase

Coc

hran

Art

Dire

ctor

Kay

la W

alla

ce

Edito

rial:

new

s@tx

citiz

en.c

omA

dver

tisin

g: s

ales

@tx

citiz

en.c

om

Dist

ribut

ion:

dis

tribu

tion@

txci

tizen

.com

PHO

TO C

RED

ITS

Cov

er:

Dav

e Re

ntau

skas

2 AD SALES 830.483.9563

table of contents1st Word

City Hall plays God, goes back to court over it.

7

3

Last WordBig oil kil ls �sh to save �sh, on orders from the United States Government.

5

14

11

The County ’sMost Wanted

Look mom! Daddy’s in the paper!

Ask a MexicanGustavo of fends in two languages.

8

13

Citizen SoundcheckThe ONLY guide of i ts kind for the NB/SM Metroplex!

The Beer HunterWhen Mitchell drinks,

we all learn something.

15Best of the

Wurst BallotVoting is open!

Remember what happened the last t ime you didn’t vote…

LettersTax Revolt

DiversionsSooner or later you’re going

to get sick of l ive music…

10

CalendarChili Cook-Off Edition!

ADVERTISE WITH US830.483.9563

830-626-9464(WING)983 LOOP 337 • NEW BRAUNFELS, TX 78130

Buy 1 Meal &2 Beverages & receive

2nd Meal 50% offDine-in only, limit one per customer. Limit one coupon per table. Not valid

with any other offers. Maximum discount $6.00.Valid at New Braunfels and San Antonio Location Only.

Expires 4/3/13

GREAT FOOD & GREAT ENTERTAINMENT

No matter who you're cheering

for, we've got your game!

Enjoy all the NBA and NCAA action on our

20+ HD TVs!

Text “WINGSNB”

to 72727

FOR GREAT OFFERS

& GIVEAWAYS!

2 AD SALES 830.483.9563 TXCITIZEN.COM 3

Chuck Baxley’sASSISTANCE IN LIVING CO.

Landscaping • Tree ServicesFencing • Rock Work • Estate MgmtShredding • Site Clean-Up & Hauling

830.832.2033 • 2553 FM 1044

24 Beers on Tap - Full Bar Live Entertainment - Pool Tables

BLACK WHALE PUB367 Main Plaza 830-625-6605

PAUL J. SMITHAttorney at Law

Board Certified in Criminal LawTexas Board of Legal Specialization

651 S. WalnutSuite D #228New Braunfels, Tx 78130

830-832-1534www.pauljsmithlaw.com

[email protected]

197 S. Seguin Avenue830.629.0540

Knives, Holsters,Purses, Wallets,Belts & MORE!

Knives, Holsters,Purses, Wallets,Belts & MORE!

VOTE FOR US FOR BEST OF THE WURST 2013

Karaoke Thursday & Sunday

DJs Wednesday • Friday • Saturday

118 Common St.830.387.4466

HOT SOUPS!Broccoli & Cheese,Loaded Potato Soup & don’t forget our Chili! YUMMM!

Tim Zipp needs to resign or be removed from the City’s 4-B Board. Frankly, he shouldn’t have ever been on it.

In case you don’t know who Tim Zipp is, here’s a short refresher course:

Zipp is in charge of distributing taxpayer dollars to various large businesses around town, corporate-welfare style. Millions of those dollars have found their way to The Scooter Store. As it would happen, Zipp is also a Vice-President with… The Scooter Store. Last week he oversaw the layoffs of 150 more front-line employees, bringing the Store’s layoff total for the last 5 months to about 370.

The Store just shut down their cafeteria and their in-house, employee medical clinic, ostensibly to “save jobs”, with no word on any executive pay cuts or resignations. We do know that Medicare just charged the Store with another $108 million dollars in fraud, but due to the lobbying efforts of local community pillar Bob Kreuger, they have enough friends in DC to only have to pay back less than $20 million, leaving them with a sweet profit of nearly $90 million dollars on the scam. You’d think with that kind of scratch there wouldn’t be any need for welfare payments or layoffs, but hey, what do we know, right?

It’s important to note that the Store paid Kreuger several million dollars to make those high-powered friends for the company, right around the time the Store was getting even more millions from the City of New Braunfels’ Industrial Development Corporation, or 4-B Board, to “create jobs”. Kreuger’s wife was, coincidentally, on City Council at that time, but we’re certain that had no bearing on any of this. Whatsoever. How dare you think it might. How dare you.

In any case, Tim Zipp is in charge of the tax money we give to The Scooter Store and in charge of The Scooter Store itself. What’s really great about this is that the Store owes the City a bunch of money back for failing to keep those laid-off employees on the payroll, and the guy in charge of collecting it is… Tim Zipp.

In case that confused you, let me clarify: Tim Zipp gives taxpayer funded, corporate welfare payments to Tim Zipp, on the condition that Tim Zipp meets certain objectives. Since Tim Zipp failed to meet those criteria, Tim Zipp owes Tim Zipp a pile of taxpayer money back. Tim Zipp now has to decide how much

taxpayer money, if any, Tim Zipp owes Tim Zipp. Tim Zipp will

then be in charge of getting that money out of Tim Zipp, or accepting Tim Zipp’s excuse as to why Tim Zipp should not

pay it back.And that, ladies and

gentlemen, is a big reason why New Braunfels has been named “Texas’

Most Corrupt City” ™ for 2013*. Hooray! Feel the pride.

In City Council news:1) The bond committee came forward

with its recommendations at Monday’s meeting, and went home empty handed. This is typical at City Hall, where commissions and committees are formed, often at great expense, only to have the findings shot down by Council. One might ask why we have these committees at all if Council just does what they want to anyway. Well, it’s to give Council members the appearance that they’re taking input from the community, and to give their friends a chance to feel like big shots. After all, being tapped to sit on or head up a commission feels good to folks like this. It’s like a gold star and a pat on the head.

2) There was more action on resort development out on Gruene Road, where you may remember that Brian Kastleman, after unanimously passing Planning and Zoning, getting City Staff approval, and unanimously passing the first reading of his requested zoning change, had his project eviscerated by a petition drive and City Hall appearance by people that don’t live in the area. Kastleman can’t put his cabins out there, but somebody can – and it’s Terry Allen of San Marcos, one of the guys that so vehemently objected to Kastleman deal.

That’s right, in another round of favoring one business over another, (like they did with the food court debacle), and picking winners and losers like they do in California and Vermont, City Council voted to allow cabins to go up on Gruene Road, as long as they were built by somebody with friends in the right places. And for the record, nobody showed up to complain about the extra traffic or ancient dairy farms this time, which goes to show how sincere environmental arguments are when politics and business collide. Wonderful.

Continued on next page.

WORD1STMIKE

REYNOLDSWITH

1617 BUSINESS 35 S.

GUADA • COMA

830-625-2420 • 609-0332 • [email protected]

AIR CONDITIONING HEATING SHEET METAL

www.freiheitcountrystore.net

VOTED BEST BURGERS IN TOWN!

215 S. Seguin • Downtown NB • 830.620.9188

Join us forbreakfast& lunch!

Monday - Saturday7 to 3pmwww.olivesitalianmarket.com

/TXCitizenSTALK us

www.NBSTREETS.com“We dig so you don’t have to.”

Continued from previous page.

3) As for the City’s tow-truck contract

fiasco, Council decided to move forward and

get involved in another taxpayer-funded lawsuit

than go back and correct a mistake they made

when awarding the towing contracts to four

different body shops instead of contracting

with a single towing company as laid out in the

bid, or just sticking with the plan that had all

17 local companies sharing the business. The

initial bid demanded that the winning operator

would have to have local equipment for big-

rig tows. Council then unilaterally split the

contract to four different favored companies,

all of which have to subcontract to San Antonio

firms for those heavy-duty wreckers. Again,

selecting which business live or die. The body

shop angle is important, according to Daniel

P McCarthy, the attorney for some of the tow

companies that were denied the bid:

“I think it wasn’t by accident. They

took out the provisions that were consumer

protections against self-dealing between the

tow companies and the body shops. They’re

(towing companies) completely within their

rights to refer the bodywork right over to

their shops. When you get picked up in New

Braunfels by one of those four companies, your

car’s going to be going over to their shops. I

feel that’s not going to serve the citizens of New

Braunfels because they’re not going to have the

freedom of having an independent choice of

where they’re going to take their car. It’s going

to be picked up, and going to their shop. They

might be paying more in fees then, too, for that

service of the car going to their shop.

“You’re going to have four companies

dominating not only all the towing in New

Braunfels, but also the body work. It’s going

to be very difficult for the remaining 13 tow

companies to be competitive, as well as any

body shop that isn’t one of those four. How are

they going to stay in business?

”There’s a lot of money involved. It’s

about $1.2 million over two years (worth of

city initiated tows). If you look at five years,

that’s close to $6 million in fees, towing

fees, and that’s not including the body shop

fees that will be collected. It’s a tremendous

amount of money for the towing companies

here in New Braunfels, and they should get

better than this.”

Bottom line: The City put out one set of

rules, and then changed them at the last

minute, after the bids were in. McCarthy wasn’t

happy about that, either. “I was disappointed.

I was hoping the council would look at those

considerations that we brought up, and the

bidding process and the inconsistencies that

were there, and legitimately not following

the original bid proposal. I was hoping that

they’d just put it back on rotation or give us a

new shot where we all get to bid the same bid

proposal, not one that’s been modified orally.”

Since Council has refused to honor the

original bid proposal as written, it will go before

a judge. We predict that the City will lose this

case, as it generally does, and the taxpayers

will pick up the bill, as we usually do.

4) Resolute Health withdrew from bond

consideration the taxpayer funded aquatic/

rehab center they’ve been salivating over. It

looks like the fraction-of-the-cost upgrade,

(which includes a state-of-the-art retractable

cover plus climate control), to the Landa Park

pool is gaining considerable public support

and throwing a wrench into Resolute’s plans

to fund their own deal through an increase in

local property taxes.

While Resolute has presented their

aquatic/rehab center as the best thing ever,

we don’t expect them to build their facility at

all if they have to pay for it themselves.

\m/

Mike Reynolds

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

*We named it that.

4 AD SALES 830.483.9563

The Brauntex TheatreFebruary 22 at 7:30 pm

February 23 at 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm290 West San Antonio Street

New Braunfels, TX 78130Tickets: 830.627.0808 or www.brauntex.org

“Rachel Landon brings Tell Me on a Sunday to vibrant life... Engaging, powerful.” Jim Tommaney-Houston Press

Advantage Firearms Training 830.743.0030

Sign up TODAY forour Saturday Classes!

Concealed Handgun License and Skill Building Classes


1 2 3

5 6 7

9 10 11

13 14 15

17 18 19

CHILI COOK-OFF AT OMA GRUENE’S!Oma Gruene’s Secret Garten hosts their third annual Chili Cook-Off

on Saturday, February 16! The pots hit the fire at 10am, and the cooks throw down at 3pm for the right to be declared Oma Gruene’s 2013 Champion! All-access passes to the event are just five bucks, and proceeds benefit the Keith Pevoto Fight Fund. Live music starts at noon. Event co-sponsored by the TX Citizen.

BEARDS AND BELT SANDERS!The third Saturday of every month brings with it Texas’ finest belt

sander racing teams to the Happy Cow Bar and Grill, and this time around they’re being followed by the Cow’s Second Annual Mustache and Beard Competition! Thrill to the roar of multiple 1/3 horsepower electric motors and then stand in awe of a testosterone-fueled exhibition of EXTREME facial hair! A full day of intense competition, and admission is FREE! 3pm, Saturday, February, 19. For more info or directions, call 512-353-0030.

THE SECOND CITYChicago’s legendary sketch comedy theatre, The Second City, will

appear at Texas Lutheran University’s Jackson Auditorium next week, presenting some of the best sketches and songs from The Second City’s fifty-two year history.

With economic uncertainty, political gridlock and a dearth of Kardashians clogging up our televisions, laughing has never mattered more, and The Second City is coming to bring some much needed silliness and hilarious spontaneity to a world in need of some comic relief. The Second City: Laughing Matters puts comedy first in a wickedly funny revue that skewers and celebrates in equal doses. Tuesday, February 19, 7:30pm, at Jackson Auditorium at TLU in Seguin. Admission is FREE!

SART BENEFIT PERFORMANCEThe Spotlight Theater’s February 21 performance of “A Time to Heal”

will benefit the Comal County Sexual Assault Response Team. Based on an actual event, the play combines the story of a segregated hospital with words and experiences of civil rights demonstrators in the 1960’s.

The theater is located at 1300 Bulverde Road in Bulverde. Admission is $18 per person, cash or check only. For tickets or more information, contact Brooke or Stacy at 210-385-3635. Curtain time is 8pm.

GOT AN EVENT TO PROMOTE? We’ll get the word out for you!

Send the details to [email protected].

CALENDAR


★★

TOYOTA CAMRY★

TOYOTA COROLLA★

TOYOTA TACOMA

WORTH THE WAIT. AND DEFINITELY WORTH THE DRIVE.

TOYOTA TUNDRA★

$ 245 A MONTH

$ 17,998OR

$ 275 A MONTH

$ 26,498OR

$ 155

$ 19,998OR

A MONTH

$ 145

$ 15,988OR

A MONTH

1NEW 2013 TACOMA REGULAR CAB, MODEL 7104, STOCK # DX018262. $19,895 MSRP LESS $1,897 DEALER DISCOUNT. COLLEGE GRAD AND MILITARY REBATES ARE NOT INCLUDED. 72 MONTHS AT 1.9% APR THROUGH SSFCU WITH APPROVED CREDIT. $15.55 PER THOUSAND. FINAL SALE PRICE $17,998 PLUS $150 DOC FEE AND T.T.L. OFFER ENDS 1/31/13. 2NEW 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY L, MODEL 2514, STOCK # CR256891, MSRP $23,155. $1000 GST REBATE PLUS $2257 DEALER DISCOUNT FOR $3257 TOTAL SAVINGS. 36 MO LEASE THROUGH TFS WITH APPROVED CREDIT. 12K MILES PER YEAR, $2,500 CDAS, NO SECURITY DEPOSIT REQUIRED WITH TIER I CREDIT SCORE. MUST TAKE DELIVERY FROM DEALER STOCK BY 1/31/13. COLLEGE GRAD AND MILITARY REBATES ARE NOT INCLUDED. FINAL SALE PRICE $19,905 PLUS $150 DOC FEE AND T.T.L. 3NEW 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA L AUTOMATIC, MODEL 1832, STOCK #DP111146, $18,160 MSRP, LESS $1000 GST REBATE, LESS $1162 DEALER DISCOUNT FOR $2,162 TOTAL SAVINGS. 36 MO LEASE THROUGH TFS WITH APPROVED CREDIT. 12K MILES PER YEAR, $2,645 CDAS, NO SECURITY DEPOSIT REQUIRED WITH TIER I CREDIT SCORE. MUST TAKE DELIVERY FROM DEALER STOCK BY 1/31/13. COLLEGE GRAD AND MILITARY REBATES ARE NOT INCLUDED. FINAL SALE PRICE $15,998 PLUS $150 DOC FEE AND T.T.L. 4NEW 2013 TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB, MODEL 8239, STOCK # DX055046, MSRP $30,508 LESS $2500 GST REBATE LESS $1510 DEALER DISCOUNT FOR $4010 TOTAL SAVINGS. 0% FOR 60 MONTHS AVAILABLE THROUGH TFS WITH APPROVED CREDIT. TIER ONE, TWO AND THREE. 36 MO LEASE THROUGH TFS WITH APPROVED CREDIT.12K MILES PER YEAR, $3,075 CDAS, NO SECURITY DEPOSIT REQUIRED WITH TIER I CREDIT SCORE. MUST TAKE DELIVERY FROM DEALER STOCK BY 1/31/13. COLLEGE GRAD AND MILITARY REBATES ARE NOT INCLUDED. FINAL SALE PRICE OF $26,498 PLUS $150 DOC FEE AND T.T.L.

www.sanmarcostoyota.com(888) 313-1999 • Text “Toyota” to 512512

1 2 3 4

TXCITIZEN.COM 7

Buffalo Wings & RingsKaraokeTuesday Nights, 7:30pm

TriviaThursday Night, 7:30pm

Dirty’s Bar & QKaraokeWednesday Nights, 8pmSaturday Nights, 9pm

Faust Brewing CompanyTriviaThursday Nights, 8pm

Freiheit Country StoreKaraokeFriday Nights, 8pm

TriviaSaturday Nights, 7:30pm

Happy CowKaraokeThursday Nights, 8pm

TriviaWednesday Nights, 8pm

Old Ice HouseKaraokeThursdays, Sundays

DJWednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays

Phoenix SaloonKaraokeThursday Nights

Prickly Pear LoungeKaraokeThursdays, Saturdays

DJ KCFridays

The Watering Hole SaloonKaraokeThursdays

Country Dance LessonsFridays, 7:30pm - FREE

DJFridays, Saturdays

KaraokeDJ + Trivia

All typographical/grammatical errors are the responsibility of the authors of their respective letters, and not hilarious mistakes on the part of TX Citizen staff. Letters may be edited for length or libel. Send yours to [email protected].

The reality of today’s values is that many people believe government can spend money better than those who earn it, and that government makes better choices for the welfare of the community than the accumulation of choices made in the marketplace by families meeting their daily needs.

When government runs out of all of the money raised by direct taxation, it borrows against future earnings both obligating the citizenry to continued high taxation and the loss of direct ‘benefits’ by the reduction of tax revenue to cover the debt.

A local example is the Walnut expansion project in New Braunfels. Originally, this project was a $10 million commitment for an 8 block boulevard development. Due to no explanation of what ultimate improvement would be derived, it was blocked twice by public outcry. Despite this, the council proceeded with the plan by selling bonds. Almost three years later the roadway expansion envelopes twice as many blocks and has risen to almost a $30 million development without any direct economical benefit to the community, though it will probably look pretty when complete, especially with the bronze statue.

Texas communities derive almost all of their revenue through sales taxes, fees and penalties and property taxes. The majority comes from the property tax. Of all of the taxes faced by any citizen in the United States, property taxes are the only one paid against projected valuation gains, not actual, realized values. This is a tax on what you don’t have, but might have sometime in the future.

To further corrupt the tax, the entire process is controlled exclusively by the taxing beneficiaries. Representatives of governmental bodies determine the valuation of the properties within limitations imposed by legislation. These valuations are more representative of agency revenue desires than market forces, forcing the property owners to shoulder the investment risk imposed by these bodies.

It is in the interest of the taxing bodies to maximize and stabilize (increasing) their tax revenue. Texas legislation limits increased valuations to 10% per year. It is rare that actual real estate values reach this level with any consistency. Only the purchase price of any property is the true representation of value in the market place. Texas legislators offered several proposals to real estate tax reform a few years ago. They floated lowering the yearly cap to 2 or 5%, but the outcry (lobbying) of the local governmental bodies against this limitation (and reduction of revenue) caused the many politicians to abandon this reform.

Historically, most governmental bodies report that home/commercial property valuations increase yearly 4-6%. Though some properties will appraise at 0% and some at 9.998%, the average is reported to meet this benevolent percentage and so homeowners should not fear a 10% increase in their taxes. Those that do are just anomalies or beneficiaries, depending on how it is viewed.

Regardless of the methodology of the taxing authority used to arrive at a valuation, the process is highly subjective and places all of the risk on the property owner whether they will actually recoup the taxes paid over the term of the investment.

The obvious solution is to make the tax on actual valuation. Example, if you purchase you property for $100,000, you pay the taxes yearly at that valuation, until you sell the property. Then the next owner pays at that purchase price level.

The only way a current property valuation rises would be if that owner makes a use change, residential to commercial, or makes a substantial modification to the property, such as adding a room, etc. This would be tracked through the permitting process, as already in place in most communities. This would require reporting of actual selling prices on commercial, residential and agricultural land.

Initially, the taxing authorities will scream since this modification would take the evaluation process out of their hands. The tax base would only change by adding new properties to the tax rolls and when a homeowner sells, but eventually the taxing authorities would get rising valuations, as the owners do.

It would not change the lending market, since current appraisals of actual value would still be required. In the past, officials have tried to diminish tax revolt by allowing senior citizens to freeze their tax rate. This change would effectively freeze everyone’s taxes unless the authority passes a rate increase. With this proposal, your $100,000 investment stays taxed at that rate until you sell it, one year or thirty years later, unless you make an additional investment in that property like a $25,000 room addition, or whatever.

If you sell the property at $150,000 later, you pay capital gains taxes on your increase and the new owner pays taxes on the new evaluation of $150,000. Nobody gambles on whether that taxing authority will take all of the potential profit away with their ever increasing taxes.

To make this happen will require the concerted effort of the citizenry, like Moms and Tea-partiers, since no taxing authority is really interested in reform that doesn’t increase their tax revenue.

Don Talley

8 AD SALES 830.483.9563

Thu 2.14Adobe Verde

Mandy Sloan8pm

AJ’s Ale HouseRock & Roll Sing Along Piano Bar Show9pm

Billy’s Ice HouseArmadillo Road, Justin Cogneato8pm

Black Whale Pub3 Man Front9pm

Cheatham Street WarehouseDustin Welch9pm

Dirty’s Bar & QSteven Roloff and Friends8pm

Freiheit Country Store50’s/60’s Country Open Mic6pm

Gruene HallRodney Hayden Band6pm

Oma Gruene’s Secret GartenJam Night w/ Adam Johnson6pm

On The Half Shell Oyster BarLucas Taylor9pm

Phoenix SaloonLucas Taylor5pm

Riley’s TavernDry River Religion9pm

River Road Ice HouseHunter McKithan & The Offenders8pm

Tavern in the GrueneForest Wayne Allen8pm

Triple CrownEmily Herring6pmThe Flying Buttresses, Canvas People,Sp_aces, Are You Crazy?9pm, $5

Uptown Piano BarAshley Stone8pm

Fri 2.15Adobe Verde

Ross Brunner8pm


Billy’s Ice HouseBritt Lloyd Band8pm

Black & Tan PubSkies of Fire, A Day of Bloodshed,Cerebral Desecration, Lacination8pm

Cheatham Street WarehouseAdam Johnson Band9pm

Dirty’s Bar & QThe Blues Burners

8pm

Gruene HallBleu Edmondsonw/ Brandon Adams & the Sad Bastards8pm, $10

The Happy CowThe Hill Country Gentlemen8pm

Oma Gruene’s Secret GartenJordan Minor Band6:30pm

On The Half Shell Oyster Bar2 Lane Alley9pm

Phoenix SaloonJorge Gallegos5pmLuke Huggins Band9pm

Riley’s TavernThem Duqaines9pm

River Road Ice HouseTC Taylor Band8pm

Tavern in the GrueneKyle Reed Band8pm

Texas Music TheaterWade Bowenw/ Zane Williams, Matt Caldwell, Josh Grider8pm, $15-$120

Triple CrownEric Hisaw6pmJericho, Loose Leaf, Kabomba!10pm, $5

Uptown Piano BarBarry Adams8pm

Vino en VerdeJon Magill8pm

Sat 2.16Adobe Verde

Dim Lit Daylight8pm


Billy’s Ice HousePoor J Brown8pm

Black & Tan PubBrian V Band8pm

Black Whale PubThe Dirt Cave Duo9pm

Cheatham Street WarehouseSons of Fathers9pm

Gruene HallWhite Ghost Shivers1pmMicky & the Motorcars9pm, $12

The Happy CowFacial Hair Contest!Jordan Minor8pm

Oma Gruene’s Secret GartenChili Cookoff!Hunter McKithen1pmLuke Adair & the Big Bills6pm

Phoenix SaloonThe Georges9pm

Riley’s TavernAmanda Jo Cevallos9pm

River Road Ice HouseWhiskey Rodeo8pm

Tavern in the GrueneShane Smith & the Saints9pm

Texas Music TheaterCharlie Robisonw/ Ryan Beaver8pm, $10-$40

Triple CrownHurricane Taco Sunday, Stegosaurus Lips10pm, $5

Uptown Piano BarJohn Maclean8pm

Vino en VerdeThe Vagabonds9pm

Vineyard at GrueneT&J Classic Country7pm

Sun 2.17Adobe Verde

Fallon Franklin8pm

Billy’s Ice HouseBenefit for Allan GoodmanAllan Goodman, Austin Gilliam,Matthew Briggs, Zack Walther Band,Dead Rock Stars6pm

Gruene HallRuby Jane Smith12pmTish Hinojosa & Friends4pm

Oma Gruene’s Secret GartenThe Blues Buzzards2pm

Phoenix SaloonAl Barlow2pmBryan Boyce7pm

CITIZEN SOUNDCHECK


CITIZEN SOUNDCHECKFri 2.15

Antone’s

Reckless Kelly

w/ Shinyribs, Darren Hoff & the Hard

Times

8pm, $20-$160

The Continental Club

Club Lineup:

The Blues Specialists, 6:30pm

The Preservation, 10pm, $14

Mother Hips, 12am

Gallery Lineup:

The Robert Kraft Trio, 8:30pm

The Mike Flanigin Trio, 10:30pm, $5

Cowboy’s Dance Hall

Bellamy Brothers

7pm, $10 21+, $20 18-20

Red Eyed Fly

Riversyde

w/ Superette, Darkness: Ending, Audioroad

8:30pm, Outside

Sam’s Burger Joint

Dustin Welch

w/ Buggaboo

8pm, $12

Stetson Bar

Dave Jorgenson

9:30pm

Stubb’s BBQ

Scorpion Child

w/ Burning Avalanche & the Well

9pm, Inside, $10

Thirsty Horse Saloon

Chris Salinas Band

8pm

Sat 2.16

Antone’s

Johnny Bush & Justin Trevino

w/ Sarah Fox & Joel Guzman,

New Mystery Girl, The Krayolas

8pm, $20-$300

The Continental Club

Club Lineup:

Red Volkaert, 3:30pm

Darren Hoff & the Hard Times, 10pm, $14

The Mother Hips, 12am

Gallery Lineup:

The Mike Flanigin Trio, 10:30, $5

Floore’s Country Store

James McMurtry

w/ The Infidels

8pm, $15

Red Eyed Fly

The Scarlet Effect

11pm, Inside

Nova

w/ The Scarlet Theater, Deserts of Mars,

Good Day Paradise, Last Judgement

8:30pm, Outside

Sam’s Burger Joint

Bob Schneider

w/ Brian Keane

8pm, $18

Stetson Bar

Chris Saucedo & New Age Outlawz

9:30pm

Stubb’s BBQ

Lotus

w/ Com Truise, Moon Hooch

7pm, Outside, $20

Thirsty Horse Saloon

Straight Shot

8pm

Mon 2.18Billy’s Ice House

Austin English & The Resurrection10pm

Cheatham Street WarehouseEn Route8pm

Gruene HallBret Graham6pm

Riley’s TavernSongwriter Showcasew/ John Whipple

River Road Ice HouseEmpty Handed Vagabonds8pm

Tavern in the GrueneCourt Nance & Friends8pm Triple CrownScott Wood & the Kyle Project6pmChief & TheDoomsdayDevice10pm

Tues 2.19Billy’s Ice House

John Edward Baumann8:00pm

Cheatham Street WarehouseWill Arrington Bandw/ Brett Hauser Band8pm

Comal Country Music ShowKnights of Columbus HallCarol Cochran, Chuck Reininger, Arnold Parker7:30pm

Gruene HallTom Gillam, Gordy Quist, Court Nance6pm

The Happy CowTenacious Tuesday Open Blues Jam8pm

Riley’s TavernSteven Roloff9pm

Tavern in the GrueneRoots & Branches of Americana7pmThe Blooms9:30pm

Triple CrownDaniel Thomas Phipps6pmSouth Austin Allstars, Fine Fellows9pm

Vineyard at GrueneBig Daddy Dean6pm

Wed 2.20Billy’s Ice House

Jul & the Chrome Wheels Band8pm

Buffalo Wings & RingsSteven Roloff & Friends7:30pm

Cheatham Street WarehouseKent Finlay’s Songwriters Circle9pm

Gruene HallChubby Knuckle Choir6pm

Riley’s TavernJosh Mrozinski9pm

River Road Ice HouseEmpty Handed Vagabonds8pm

Triple CrownDavid Harris6pmGarrett Snowden, Andy Evans & the Brotherhood9pm, $4

Uptown Piano BarJohn Maclean8pm

Vineyard at GrueneBig Daddy Dean6pm

Watering Hole SaloonJon Magil8:30pm

SOUND TOWNOUTOF

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

10 AD SALES 830.483.9563

By Gustavo Arellano

Dear Mexican: I’m 39. My stepdad—who raised me—just died. This freed my mother to tell me (stepdad always forbade it) that the man I thought was my biological father all this time was not. The man who IS my biological father is Mexican…totally, (e.g. both of his parents were Mexican). He was married twice, and had seven kids (five with the first wife, two with the second) other than me. It appears I was conceived during his first marriage, as he remained married until death from leukemia in 2008. He was a Hispanic leader in my metro area and even ran once for mayor.

What does finding out that I am half-Mexican mean for me? I don’t have a meaningful relationship with the man I thought was my biological father. In fact, this news is quite a blessing to me. But I’m kind of paralyzed by it all. Any suggestions?

Brand-New Bewildered Beaner

Dear Half-Wab: Man, where’s Cristina Saralegui when I need her? The most important thing for you right now is to not blame the Mexican ethnicity of your dad for him having abandoned your mother and yourself—I hope and trust that you know pendejos exist in all cultures. I would also talk to your mother about why she held that information from you all your life, as I’m sure it’s upsetting. Was she ashamed she once shacked up with a Mexican, or was it an abusive relationship? Once you’re able to work out the personal part of your discovery—seriously: get at peace with yourself and your mami—then you can move on to the ethnic question.

The pregunta to then ponder is this: how does finding out you’re part-Mexi feel? Are you ashamed? If so, make sure to tell others that your dad was “Spanish” and make sure to hide the truth from your children, just like your parents did from you. Are you proud of your newfound nopal en la frente? Then ease into your mexicanidad. If you have an English-language name with a Mexican equivalent, Hispanicize it—become a Juan instead of

John, or a Rogelio instead of Roger. Wear a cinto piteado, but cover it up by not tucking in your shirt. Say “Latino” instead of “Hispanic,” as you currently do. Finally, if you don’t care either way that you’re Mexican? Do what all other crypto-Mexicans do: only become Mexican to get the secret house salsa at your local taqueria, or when the United States faces off against Mexico in soccer.

Why do Mexicans use the streets as a playground, their driveway as a futon and the ditch as a trashcan? I live across the street from 100% pure Mexicans who do all their entertaining on the street, making the vehicles drive around them. Is this something taught to them at birth, or is there a class given to them at the prepa (what they call high school). I just have the need to know.

Vecino de Mexicanos

Dear Neighbor of Mexicans: Crap labor and crappier living conditions for immigrants in America waltz together like Astaire and Rogers—remember slaves and their shacks, Okie farm workers in California’s Central Valley during the Great Depression, and the Jewish and Italian peons that stare balefully into Jacob Riis’ camera in his monumental 1890 exposé of New York’s tenement slums, How the Other Half Lives. The immigrant high-density blues continues with Mexicans: according to The State of Housing for Hispanics in the United States, a 2005 study prepared by Dr. Carlos Vargas-Ramos of New York’s Hunter College, 12 per cent of Latinos live in overcrowded housin,g (defined as more than one person living in a room), compared to 2.4 per cent of the general population. Add to that the fact that Latinos usually live in neighborhoods bereft of parks, and be lucky your Mexican vecinos play in the street and not on your lawn. Better yet, be a good neighbor and join the pachanga!

MOST WANTED

$200REWARD

COMAL COUNTY ’S

JACKSON,GARY BERNARDMale • 5’10” • 175 lbsDOB: 05/09/1983CHARGE: Injury child/elderly/disable with intentionally bodily injury

LEON,FILIMONMale • 5’06” • 160 lbsDOB: 07/22/1980CHARGE: Fail to stop and render aid

ORTIZ,DANIELMale • 5’08” • 200 lbsDOB: 05/21/1972CHARGE: Failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance

MOTT,JAMES LOUISMale • 5’07” • 220 lbsDOB: 10/14/1961CHARGE: Motion to revoke probation for intoxicated assault with vehicle SBI

GARCIA, ALEJANDRO JUAREZMale • 5’06” • 182 lbsDOB: 03/15/1978CHARGE: Failure to appear, Motion to proceed with adjudication for possession of a controlled substance

RAMIREZ,JACOB

Male • 6’00” • 180 lbsDOB: 04/28/1974

CHARGE: Motion to revoke probation for

possession of a controlled substance

SERRANO,RICARDO RICKY

Male • 5’06” • 165 lbsDOB: 02/17/1986

CHARGE: Failure to appear for theft of a

firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm

by a felon

VANCE,ALBERT

Male • 5’10” • 162 lbsDOB: 07/15/1953

CHARGE:Motion to revoke probation for driving while intoxi-cated 3rd or more

VANN,JOSEPH DERRICK

Male • 5’10” • 250 lbsDOB: 09/24/1977

CHARGE: Motion to revoke for possession

of a controlled substance

TAPIA-VILLA,OSCAR

Male • 5’09” • 135 lbsDOB: 06/06/1986

CHARGE: Failure to appear for burglary

of building

The names listed have been released in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act Code 552.001 st.seq.annotated Public Record and Information disclosure statues. This is a true and accurate account as of Monday, February 11, 2013 as of 12:00 pm and may not be current by the time it is read. Do not try to apprehend anyone. For anonymous tips and rewards, please contact Crime Stoppers at: 24-Hour Phone number 830.620.3400; Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm 830.620.3411. These are listings of criminal warrants with the Sheriff’s Office and are not indicative of guilt or innocence. Officers are to verify the status of each warrant prior to making an arrest. Any person is innocent of wrongdoing unless proven guilty in a court of law.

FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OF COMAL COUNTY’S MOST WANTED. Callers will remain anonymous. 830.620.3400 - 24-Hour830.620.3411 - Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm Ask the Mexican at themexican@

askamexican.net, be his fan on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @gustavoarellano or ask him a video question at youtube.

com/askamexicano!

ASK A MEXICAN!

!


Uncle Esel,So now we can raise chickens in

the city but not eat those chickens!! Well, that got me paying attention to the controversy about horse meat. Why exactly are they making such a big deal about that in the news? Is horse meat not edible?

Thanks,Ed

Well Mr. Ed, The taboo on horse meat is mostly one

of emotion versus edibility. We love our horses and the thought of chowing down on them is just considered... wrong. The problem is occurring in Europe right now and has even shown up in places like Burger King at European locations. While not specifically a health problem, there is at least some concern because some medications used on horses are banned for human use in the USA and most European countries, and at least one of them may be a carcinogenic drug. Of course there are labeling laws that are supposed to protect us, but that hasn’t worked too well in Europe as they are finding out now.

Since 2011, the US government has allowed the slaughter of horses for meat and according to a CNN report, we export it North and South to our neighbors (ahhh! NAFTA pays off!) With this revelation comes the knowledge that nothing else prevents us from being served a little Sea Biscuit at your favorite upscale steakhouse. Esel thought hard about this and decided that it’s better to have a horse throat than a frog in his throat. Frogs - now they’re repulsive (apologies to Gerard Depardieu).

Love, K

Dear Uncle Esel,I saw the movie Identity Theft and it

was funny, but also sad. Someone stole my identity and left me with some credit fraud a year ago. Do those identity protection services really work?

Thank You,Darren

Dear Darren,There’s a mixed bag of results here. Most

of those companies are providing a service that you could do for yourself. Most of the services are also reacting to something that has occurred and letting you know about it. One of the biggest is LifeLock out of Arizona. They offer more than one service and a one

million dollar guaranty. What most don’t realize is that the guarantee is that they will spend up to that much to restore your identity and that it does not mean they will pay for the actual credit fraud amassed by a thief.

If you are one to just spend and ignore your accounts and not keep tabs of spending, then a protection service makes sense. If you are like most Americans with one or two accounts and the internet, then you could probably do just fine by monitoring your accounts. In addition to being required to provide you with a free annual credit report, the three major credit reporting agencies also provide similar services to monitor your credit reports and scores.

It should be noted that LifeLock CEO Todd Davis who challenges people to steal his identity in commercials and posts his Social Security number was a victim at least 13 times in the two years after issuing the challenge. His predecessor was banned from life from the business for deceptive practices and fraud and the company has been found guilty of deceptive practices and false advertising and fined millions of dollars by the Feds. Now if only we had a service that told us when elected officials are pilfering the accounts where we send our tax dollars.

Love, K

Uncle Esel,Did Bill Cosby really write that “I’m

Tired” letter all over the internet? I think it sounds realistic.

Sincerely,Michael

Dear Michael,Why yes he did. If you saw it on the

internet it must be true. Now Michael, that was sarcasm. Sarcasm is used on the internet to ridicule someone or some idea. In this case it’s ridiculing you and those who keep posting such lies on the internet. Cosby has repeatedly issued disclaimers and called them “ugly views.” Not everything you see is true, and we are losing our sense of skepticism. Everything, except the stuff about Lindsey Lohan. That’s all true.

Love, K

ADVICE FROM

UNCLE ESEL

Uncle K. Esel is a lifetime resident of our fair city, and is well known for his sage advice on a wide range of topics. If you find yourself perplexed with no one to turn to, send your question to Uncle Esel at: [email protected]. Be sure to write “Question for Uncle Esel” in the subject line of your email.

ASK A MEXICAN!

Located in the heart of downtown New Braunfels, the Historic Faust Hotel & Brewing Company is a one-stop destination offering a variety of House Brews, Full Bar and Tapas-Style Menu, and Redesigned Guestrooms, Suites, and Event Center, which feature 1920’s Art Deco design while incorporating modern amenities.

Your One-Stop DestinationHouse Brews, Full Bar and Beer Inspired Menu

Find us240 South Seguin Ave. | Downtown New Braunfels

(830) 625-7791 | www.FaustBrewing.com

NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH!Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Open at 4pm Mon-Thurs & 12pm Fri-Sun

JOIN US FOR Trivia Night Every Thursday


PRICKLY PEAR LOUNGE

As always, we urge you to DRINK RESPONSIBLY

MONDAYStart Your Week Off Right

Do the PEAR!

TUESDAYFree Darts & Pool

WEDNESDAYHump Day!

THURSDAYLadies Night/Karaoke

FRIDAYDJ KC

SATURDAYKaraoke/ Johnny V

SUNDAYMeanwhile,

BOCK at the Pear1051 N. IH-35 | 830-625-8017

HAPPY COWB A R & G R I L L

HAPPY COWB A R & G R I L L

9103 FM 1102“San Braunfels”

(Hunter, TX)512.353.0030


(Hunter, TX)512.353.0030


(Hunter, TX)512.353.0030


(Hunter, TX)512.353.0030


(Hunter, TX)512.353.0030


(Hunter, TX)512.353.0030

Saturday, February 16

PLUS Jordan Minor and the Bottom Dollar Band

with Special Guests!Music and Contest to

Follow Beltsander Races at 3pm!










THE HAPPY COW'S 2ND ANNUAL

MUSTACHEAND BEARD

COMPETITION!


MUSTACHEAND BEARD

COMPETITION!


MUSTACHEAND BEARD

COMPETITION!


MUSTACHEAND BEARD

COMPETITION! • SILK SCREENING • T-SHIRTS • BAGS • KOOZIES • SCHOOL SPIRIT& MUCH MORE!

[email protected]

786 S Castell Ave #DNew Braunfels, TX 78130

TXCITIZEN.COM 13

North Coast Brewing - Old RasputinIn honor of the newest Cicerone in my hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada, the famous Aureole by Charlie Palmer hosted a beer vs. wine pairing throw-down. For those unfamiliar with the fairly new term, a Cicerone is basically a beer Sommelier; an expert on beers who builds beer lists, makes suggestions, and plans course pairings. Along with the growing interest in beer as part of fine dining, so grows the value of a beer certification.

In this pairing dinner, the new Cicerone, (and the first female one in Vegas, at that), was given a menu where she and the head sommelier chose beer and wine to pair along with the courses. Some dishes, like the mini caramelized onion soup or the roasted monkfish tail with saffron risotto and chorizo, paired more aptly with the wine selections. However, it was in the opinion of the professional gourmands that the beer selections won out in more dishes and were a greater match to the food than the wines, overall.

The petite greens and roasted quince salad went quite well with a malty Belgian style

ale, (Goose Island - Matilda), and the rock blue cheese and pear tart with a side of fromage blanc with artisanal maple syrup was balanced against a terrific Trappistes 8 strong dark ale. These were both great examples of a Cicerone doing what they do well, but the greatest winner in my mind, and shared by more than a few in my company, was the final dish; a selection of American desserts, (chiefly being the spiced carrot cake with super-light cream cheese frosting), paired with North Coast Brewing’s Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout.

Old Rasputin is in the class of beers that are subject to an unusual amount of hype. There are also certain beers like Saison Dupont, Pliny the Elder, et-al, that have similar reputations for being some of the best in the world. A quick hop online can only confirm it, with its Rate Beer score standing at a solid 100 and 3200+ ratings. The style itself is known for producing some very highly-rated beers. Old Rasputin is certainly indicative of its style, with a very Russian Imperial Stout-y 9% ABV. The style itself was made in England, like many others, but was a specialty beer brewed

for import for the court of Russian matriarch, and legendary horse enthusiast, Catherine the Great.

This beer specifically comes many ways, but I had it poured from a bottle into a large snifter. It is a thick and inky-black brew, with a solid brown head. The Cicerone had ensured a proper serving temperature, so it was cool enough to drink without distasteful things or too much alcohol heat coming to light, but warm enough that the sends were coming off in great form. The first whiff is absolutely thick with roasted malt and bitter chocolate. It’s a very full bodied and earthy scent, but a certain dark sweetness comes through in it as well.

The first taste is a charred, charcoal flavored malt that becomes sweeter and more chocolate-toffee mid-palate. Subsequent tastes give off dried fig and plum, maybe even a bit of molasses. The finish is warm and sweetly herbal, mainly in an anise way. The mouth-feel lingers heavily, leaving just a slightly chalky dry feel. An amazing beer, whose heavy malt profile was a great backbone to the spice of the carrot cake, and cut the fat of the cream cheese top.

THE

WITH MITCHELL WILBURN

Mitchell Wilburn is our resident bon vivant and arbiter of all things barley. Send your beer questions to him at [email protected].

Presents the 3rd Annual

Chili CooK-O�Saturday, February 16Cooking begins at 10am, judging at 3pm.

Live music starts at noon!

All-Access Tasting Passes are Just $5!

All proceeds benefit the Keith Pevoto Fight Fund.

1263 Gruene Road • 830.625.1045omalovesyou.com

Co-Sponsered byCo-Sponsered by BLACK WHALE PUB

Specializing in Belgian Beers

100 Import Beers

24 Beers on Tap

Live Entertainment

Full Bar

Pool Tables ◊ Darts

367 Main Plaza830-625-6605

NEW!Smoke free lounge upstairs!

HWY 46, 2 MILES PAST CLEAR SPRINGS

Lip Smackin', Finger Lickin', Award Winnin' South Texas

BBQ and a Cold Beer!

Tuesday - Ladies Night$2 You-Call-its for the Ladies

Wednesday - Steak NightKaraoke - 8pm

Thursday - Rib NightSteven Roloff and Friends - 8pm

FridayThe Blues Burners - 8pm

Saturday - Karaoke 9pm"Where Texans Eat Dirty Good!"

GIT CHA SUMLip Smackin', Finger Lickin', Award Winnin' South Texas

BBQ and a Cold Beer!

Tuesday - Ladies Night$2 You-Call-its for the Ladies

Wednesday - Steak NightKaraoke - 8pm

Thursday - Rib NightSteven Roloff and Friends - 8pm

FridayThe Blues Burners - 8pm

Saturday - Karaoke 9pm"Where Texans Eat Dirty Good!"

Parties/[email protected]

830-379-8883

GIT CHA SUM

14 TX CITIZEN 14 AD SALES 830.483.9563 TXCITIZEN.COM 15

Last WordWith Kelly Colby

Fish FoodA lot of people who know me call me “anti-government”. This is mostly fair. I consider myself an anarcho-capitalist, and it would be hard to say that such an ideology favors government. That said, my concerns over government have less to do with any love/hate relationship than they do with a simple observation that government, in most cases, is incredibly inefficient when it isn’t downright dangerous.

Fortunately for Americans, the U.S. government has less of a history being dangerous to its own citizens than it does being dangerous to citizens abroad. Inefficiencies are another matter; that’s something we can see right here at home. Ronald Reagan famously quipped that “the nine most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’” Like most good jokes, it’s funny because it’s true.

When people ask me why I feel the way I do about government, I try to avoid talking about things our government does that are directly dangerous. Most people either refuse to see the large rock that hangs over their head or rationalize its presence as a preferable alternative to some more catastrophic situation. Instead, I try to focus on those things the government tries to do for us that simply don’t end well. Most of our social programs fall into this category, but if I’m looking for something timely, it’s never any further away than a quick look at the news.

Today I saw a local news story out of Mobile AL. It discussed some unintended results of a federal program, which decommissions out-of-service oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. The idea is to have oil companies clean up after themselves. One method offered to the owners of the rigs is to demolish the rigs onsite and leave the debris as a reef for underwater life. This saves the company money and allows for some environmental benefit from the rig’s removal. Of course, this conveniently ignores the damage that might be done by the destruction of the rig itself.

It turns out the abandoned oil platforms are already a boon to the local ocean environment even before they rest comfortably on the bottom of the ocean. You see, many types of fish are attracted to the rigs as a source of shelter. Others are attracted to them for food (probably the sheltering fish). Finally there are a good number of ocean flora and fauna that don’t really need a reef per-se and happily live out their entire lives around the anchoring structures of the platforms, enjoying the home provided unintentionally for them by some greedy capitalist looking to make a buck.

Until the government gets involved that is.The government’s intent is to force the

rig owners to return the environment that they have invaded to the condition they found it in or preferably better. In order for the government to “help” the local aquatic wildlife, the platforms must be either removed or destroyed. The government has pushed the idea of destroying the platforms, (or at least their anchoring structures), for years as

part of the reef-building program I mentioned earlier. This destruction can be done either mechanically or explosively. And if, at this point, you are asking yourself “Wouldn’t underwater explosions be dangerous to the surrounding fish?” the answer is “Why yes. Yes they would be”.

The most recent news report indicates that some 10,000 pounds of fish floated to the surface after a recent blast. Most of what was seen was red snapper, but you can be sure that fish other than game fish died just as horribly. As for the creatures that create a makeshift reef on the support structures of the rig, they were at least spared the indignity of being made homeless when they were blown to kingdom come. While we are at it, it’s worth noting that the many tons of material then drops to the bottom where it disturbs, and no doubt crushes, the sea life there before settling in to become the future reef home of some other fish yet to be determined.

Now, is any of this really worth getting worked up over? I suppose it depends on your perspective. I can see why certain environmentalists might be frustrated with a government program that saves fish in the same way our military saved villages during the Viet Nam War. Local fishermen might also be perturbed. They’ve been using these rigs for years as prime fishing holes, easy to locate and sure to have fish-a-plenty. Divers, too, have searched out these man-made ecosystems to explore and enjoy. Commercial fishermen are irritated because the debris creates unknown underwater

hazards and frequently snarls or snags their nets. Last but not least, the fish probably don’t appreciate the government’s efforts on their behalf. For the rest of us, I don’t imagine it’s a very big deal.

My concern isn’t really for any of the above. My concern is that our government managed to get itself involved in something in what appears to be the most counterproductive way possible. I don’t imagine it cost very much. It looks as though most of the cost is borne by the oil companies who own the rigs. I have little doubt that the fish will spring back. At least the reef structure that is now on the bottom and the chum created by the blast should attract something. I would even be hard-pressed to complain about the time that was wasted coming up with this asinine plan. I consider it the opportunity cost that keeps them from doing something either more stupid or downright dangerous.

I mention this not to complain or to motivate people to action; I mention it only as one of many examples of why I am “anti-government”. I hope that people will look around and find their own examples. Ask yourself, when you find them, what might have been a better solution. Imagine for a moment that the answer to whatever problem is presented might not be involving government. You might find yourself becoming a little more like me.

You can read more from Kelly Colby at yourfirstshrug.blogspot.com.

Vintage School Bench

1077 S. Seguin Ave., Corner of Seguin Ave. & Bus. 35 • 830-629-0755Store Hours: OPEN Mon. - Sat. 9:30 AM - 6 PM Sun.: 11 AM - 6 PM

# G192 Reg. Price $59.88.

SALE$39.88

While supplies last.

TXCITIZEN.COM TXCITIZEN.COM TXCITIZEN.COM TXCITIZEN.COM TXCITIZEN.COM TXCITIZEN.COMTXCITIZEN.COM TXCITIZEN.COM TXCITIZEN.COM TXCITIZEN.COM TXCITIZEN.COM TXCITIZEN.COM












CHECK OUT OURNEW WEBSITE!

TXCITIZEN.COM

TXCITIZEN.COM 15

BEST OF THE

WURST 2013

TIME TO VOTE!

TURN IN YOUR BALLOT BYMONDAY, MARCH 4, AT 8AM!

INGESTIONBest Breakfast Tacos Los Gallos El Nopolito Granzin BBQ

Best Coffee Wake the Dead (San Marcos) Gruene Grind Co�ee Co. New Braunfels Co�ee Company

Best Mexican Adobe Cafe Cancun District One Councilman Richard Zapata

Best Burger The Happy Cow Phoenix Saloon Freiheit Country Store Faust Brewing Company

Best Pizza Bosses Pizza Valentino’s (San Marcos) Calahan’s New York Pizza Pub

Best BBQ Granzin BBQ Cooper’s BBQ Rudy’s BBQ

PEOPLE & PLACESBest Bar The Black Whale Pub Faust Brewing Company Prickly Pear Lounge Phoenix Saloon Sean Patrick’s (San Marcos) The Happy Cow The Old Ice House Bu�alo Wings and Rings

Best Bartender Janna – The Happy Cow Haley – Prickly Pear Lounge Brandie – Phoenix Saloon Teresa - Phoenix Saloon Hollie – The Black Whale Pub Tyler – Bu�alo Wings and Rings

Best Live Music Venue Phoenix Saloon Triple Crown (San Marcos) Oma Gruene’s Secret Garten

Best Place to Dance Gruene Hall Phoenix Saloon The Happy Cow

Best Make-Out Spot Phone Booth in Faust Hotel Lobby Phoenix Saloon Basement Bar Underground @ Oma Gruene’s Distribution Room – TX Citizen

Best Bier Garten Oma Gruene’s Secret Garten Friesenhaus Boho Bites

Favorite Local Band Javi Garcia + The CCG The Georges 3 Man Front Favorite Solo Act Daniel Thomas Phipps Claire Cunningham Lucas Taylor

DIVERSIONSBest Trivia Night The Happy Cow Faust Brewing Co. Bu�alo Wings and Rings

Best Karaoke Freiheit Country Store Prickly Pear Lounge The Happy Cow The Old Ice House

Best Local Event that Begins with “W” and Ends in “Fest” Wurstfest Wein and Sangerfest Wassailfest

INDUSTRYBest Tattoo Studio Body Expressions River Rat Tattoo Mystic Marks (San Marcos) Pan American Tattoo

Best Tourist Attraction Guadalupe River Outside City Limits Schilitterbahn Snake Farm Any NB City Council Meeting

Best Local Newspaper TX Citizen Herald-Zeitung (Disquali�ed - Houston Owned)

CIVICSMost Horrible Local Politician Currently Holding Of�ce District One Councilman Richard Zapata Precinct Three Commissioner Kevin Webb Mayor Gale Pospisil

Least Horrible Local Politician Currently Holding Of�ce Precinct Three Commissioner Kevin Webb District One Councilman Richard Zapata Mayor Gale Pospisil

Best Non-Of�ce Holding Public Figure Michael Meek Mike Reynolds Stoney Williams

Worst Non-Of�ce Holding Figure City Manager Michael Morrison Kathleen Krueger Bob Krueger Mike Reynolds

1) Fill out this ballot.2) Tear it out.3) Stuff it into the mail slot at TX Citizen Headquarters, 1111 N Walnut Ave. And don’t bug us, we’re busy.

Votes must be submitted on original ballots only – no copies, email, or fax submissions will be accepted.

Mandatory FieldsYour responses in this section will be used to better extract cash from your wallet:

First Name ___________________________________________

Email Address ________________________________________

Age ________ Gender M F Other

Favorite TX Citizen Section First Word Sound Check

Ask A Mexican Other ______________________

Tell us what you listen to:KBPA 103.5 FMKJXK 102.7 FMKISS 99.5 FMKAJA 97.3 FMKNBT 92.1 FMKGSR 93.3 FMKSTX 89.1 FMWOIA 1200 AMKGNB 1420 AMNone of the Above

Tell us which cable news networks you watch:CNNFox NewsBBCMSNBCAl JazeeraNone of the Above

Military Service:Yes NoIf yes, which branch? _________________________

Tell us what you read:San Antonio Express NewsSan Antonio CurrentSan Marcos Daily RecordSan Marcos MercuryHouston-Owned Herald-ZeitungHouston-Owned UpstreamAustin-American StatesmanAustin ChronicleThe OnionNew Braunfelser (Formerly Prosit Magazine)

GreensheetThe Comal County Business JournalMoxie MagazineTaste of New BraunfelsDaily BeastHuf�ngton PostDrudge ReportNone of the Above

Education Level:High School GraduateCollege GraduateSeminary

Optional Fields Your responses in this section will be used to pressure local

businesses into either placing advertising or increasing the size of their existing ads:

The following were nominated by TX Citizen readers, not editorial staff. Blame yourselves for ommissions or errors.

Think somebody got snubbed? Write in your vote here:

You can read more from Kelly Colby at yourfirstshrug.blogspot.com.

Check out these listings & more online at DLeeEdwardsRealty.com 1111 N. Walnut Ave. New Braunfels, TX 78130

ERA’s Top 2002011

Reader’s Choice

Best Real Estate Company 2012

1233 Hollyhock Ln New Braunfels, TX 78130 • Very nice Home in Green Meadows, 3/2, Open living, dining/kitchen area. Large enclosed porch area off of kitchen, possible second living area. Lg Master BR and good sized 2nd and 3rd bedrooms, mature trees/landscaped with outside storage building.

MLS #: RS191794A List Price: $158,545

320 Meadow Pk New Braunfels, TX 78130 • 3/2, Open floor plan, high ceilings, and plenty of light. Spacious living area and large kitchen with plenty of counter space. Yard has a sprinkler system. Gas furnace and water heater for energy saving. Fireplace in living area. Tile in kitchen and eating area.


1134 Camellia Ln New Braunfels, TX 78130 • Cathedral ceilings create an open, spacious feeling in this solid 3/2/2. Brick fireplace & recently installed laminate wood floors accent the living room. New carpet & paint in 2011 also! Need storage space? This home has walk-in closets in all 3 bedrooms. Kitchen has tons of cabinet & counter space. High ceilings in master bedroom. Outdoors features large backyard, covered patio, storage shed, & extra patio slab perfect for BBQ’ing or soaking up some rays.


114 Deer Run Wimberley, TX 78676 • Hill Country Artisan Home! This home is uniquely full of Wimberley character, artisan design,w/special touches in every room. 2/2, Nestled and secluded on 5.78 acres and just a short 5 min drive to your breathtaking private river park on the Blanco river! Living room features cozy log room with stone fireplace, master is down and has one of a kind double shower. Stone walls and tin and beam ceilings throughout; large screened porch, Not enough room to list all the wonderful features!


361 N Maple Way New Braunfels, TX 78132 • Why buy new when this one shows like a model home, still under builders warranty, and it's less than building a new one. 4/3, Unique attention to detail adds personality to this spacious modern home. Lots of windows, curved doorways. The wood & wrought iron staircase enhances the beauty and comfortableness to make it an out of the ordinary home. Granite in the kitchen and the bath, Oversized Cabinets, Tile Floors, Walk-in Closets, Oversized Rooms. Fabulous open floorplan.


506 Beverly Ln New Braunfels, TX 78130• Want the charm of an older home and neighborhood, but a completely updated interior? Then this house is yours! 3/2, Brand new stainless steel kitchen appliances, solid countertops, tile, carpet, and paint- the works! Perfect little built-ins add that extra charm in the Living Areas and Master Bedroom. Refinished hardwood floors in two of the bedrooms are quite stunning. And, to top it all off it sits on almost half an acre! This home will definitely surprise you- come see it today!


Call our AWARD WINNING TEAM!830.620.7653

Documents

TX Citizen 2.14.13